HONG KONG — Independent singer-songwriter Serrini (Leung Ka-yan) recently completed an unprecedented run of sold-out performances, dominating the TIDES venue in Hung Hom with her five-night residency, Serrini SITUATION Live in Hong Kong 2025. Staged consecutively from December 17 to 21, the event marked a venue record for the most sequential headline performances by any artist since its opening, solidifying Serrini’s status as a formidable force in the local music scene.
The concert series commenced with dramatic flair. Initially veiled by an expansive blue translucent scrim, the atmosphere was set with marine-themed projections and a quirky, pre-recorded “ship’s broadcast” introduction. As the fabric dramatically dropped, Serrini and her band burst onto the stage, launching into the infectious rhythms of “~旋轉with me” (Spin with Me), immediately commanding the audience—many of whom were dressed in unique attire—to move.
Engaging Crowd, Quirky Themes Elevate Performance
Serrini, known for her charismatic and unconventional stage presence, maintained a high-energy pulse through a rapid succession of hits, including the upbeat tracks “愉快動物病” (Happy Animal Disease) and “女一” (Leading Lady). The momentum soared with the powerful anthems “咩事” (What’s the Matter), “地火” (Ground Fire), and “Becoming.” Subsequent songs like “天雷” (Heavenly Thunder) and “Blue Song” demonstrated a shift, exploring darker, more intense sonic landscapes.
A hallmark of the Serrini SITUATION shows was the artist’s highly imaginative dress code. She encouraged attendees to enter in “bodyguard” attire, resulting in a sea of elaborately outfitted fans sporting suits, walkie-talkies, earpieces, and dark sunglasses. Serrini playfully interacted with this unusual crowd, joking that their dark eyewear might impede their view. She even recounted a moment of delightful confusion during a pre-show meet-and-greet, admitting she struggled to distinguish between actual venue staff and dedicated fans due to the authenticity of their costumes.
Festive Interaction and Millennium Pop Tributes
The concerts, held just before the Christmas holiday, featured a sweet, festive segment. Serrini delivered a tender rendition of “Sweet Sweet Christmas,” yet true to form, injected her signature humor by using a fishing rod to “reel in” and distribute chocolate gold coins to the eager crowd.
Later, a segment dedicated to millennium-era pop aesthetics showcased Serrini’s versatility. Introduced by poetic verses displayed on a large screen, she performed “垃圾女星” (Garbage Star), preceding her latest series of tracks that nod to the pop styles of the early 2000s. Tracks like “掌心的女孩” (Girl in the Palm) and “無心傷人” (Unintending to Hurt) channeled nostalgic energy, prompting an audience-wide singalong reminiscent of a karaoke session. Serrini humorously embraced this genre contrast, noting the irony of an indie artist performing mainstream pop structures. This segment also featured “流行病” (Epidemic), a new track released just a week prior, reflecting on the common experience of emotional “situationships.”
Emotional Depth and Empowering Encore
The mood transitioned with a set list drawn from her Mandarin album, True Beauty. Under subdued lighting and atmospheric band arrangements, Serrini delivered reflective performances of “You’re safe now,” “hey there,” and “8:13am.” The emotional core deepened with the hopeful “當陽光散落在你臉上” (When Sunlight Scatters on Your Face) and a powerful, re-arranged rendition of the older track “哀樂無名” (Unnamed Sorrow and Joy), drawing the audience into a deeply therapeutic soundscape.
A final high-energy segment included the beloved track “Don’t Text Him,” which saw the “bodyguard” audience collectively waving light sticks. During this section, Serrini, adorned with pearls and rhinestones on her outfit, symbolically peeled off the embellishments and tossed them to the crowd. “I share these beautiful pieces with you all,” she exclaimed, encouraging the fans to “manifest their wishes” for success.
The final encore delivered a powerful climax. Serrini returned in a casual T-shirt to perform “有奶辯士梁” (Milk-Themed Debater Leung), expressing gratitude to her band and audience. The concert concluded with a massively bolstered version of “Let Us Go Then You and I,” sending a wave of electric energy through the tightly packed venue. Fans, unwilling to leave, prompted genuine, unscripted encores across the five nights, featuring surprise tracks like “樹仔” (Little Tree), “樹木真美” (Trees Are Truly Beautiful), and, for the final show on the winter solstice, the fan favorite “油尖旺金毛玲.” Serrini’s record-breaking residency proved her talent for merging musical excellence with unique, intimate theatricality.
